Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has mentioned that he intends to change the makeup of his last-place club, and a shakeup should occur in the coming weeks leading to the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets' players are feeling the effects of the impending moves and are worried about who might be going.

"It's nerve-racking coming to the rink and not knowing what is going on," forward R.J. Umberger told the Dispatch. "It's a lot of extra tension."

Howson stated that no one is off-limits, although that didn't imply he would start shopping right wing Rick Nash or center Jeff Carter. The GM likely wants to retain them as the foundation upon which to rebuild.

Center Derick Brassard has been the subject of trade talks for much of the season while he was once a regular healthy scratch,but has now settled into a spot on the fourth line.

However, the 24-year-old hasn't gotten too comfortable as he could be displayed for teams looking for a depth centerman to add to their lineup.

"It kind of plays in your head all the time if your name is out there," Brassard told the paper. "But it's something you can't control. If you don't (block it out), you're waiting for it, and if it doesn't happen, you're disappointed."

Left wing Vinny Prospal is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and could fetch a decent return from playoff contenders, while center Antoine Vermette has three more years at $3.8 million per season remaining on his contract, but could attract interest from clubs seeking a good two-way center.